Police Scotland creates cyber division and champions AI in major reform plans

Police Scotland will launch a new cyber and fraud division in response to the increasing rate of cyber-crime north of the border.

The new specialist group will work with other UK agencies and partners to provide a co-ordinated approach against the cyber-related demand, which the force said it is likely to increase in "complexity” by 2030.

It is estimated that last year cyber-crime accounted for at least five per cent of all the crimes recorded.

The organisation said that tech-driven changes are “fundamental” to its 2030 vision, which is focused on “safer communities, less crime, supported victims, and a thriving workforce”.

The workforce will receive cyber and online training to be better equipped to deal with online crime and become "one of the most digitally enabled police services”, the force has said.

As part of its 130 missions, expected to be delivered by 2027, Police Scotland has also pledged to boost the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Initiatives include continuing to invest and develop new AI-powered products, as well as creating a “proof-of-concept generative AI solution” for staff to use and increase productivity levels.

Police Scotland also pledged to become “an even more data-driven organisation” in a bid to take a more proactive approach to preventing crime.

It will help officers streamline the entry of data and use automation so that data is transferred automatically to all systems that need it.

In a media briefing, chief constable Jo Farrell said: “What we have is a lot of data, we’re awash with data, and we need to use the latest technology to convert that so that we’re fighting crime effectively and able to operate as efficiently as we can."

The force has also said it will create a new multi-disciplinary digital and data innovation product team to help staff find efficiency solutions and “power real innovation”.

The agency will also use technology to provide more “person-centred” contact services, as well as to help “retain and attract staff” by reducing administrative duties and ensuring they can do their job safely and efficiently.

Farrell also suggested that the force is open to deploying the controversial live facial recognition scheme, claiming it is a tool officers require to keep people safe.

She continued: “Not using those biometrics that exist to identify violent perpetrators or those who commit crime against the most vulnerable, I think it would be an abdication if we don’t explore, explain and keep pushing along that route so we get ourselves in a position where we can look back and say I’m confident they’re using the technology appropriately and without bias, for the greatest good of keeping people safe.”

The force will also deliver a Digital Division programme, which includes refreshing its Office 365 and criminal history system technology to cope with the impacts of legacy technology.

Other missions listed included continuing to roll out the Digital Evidence Sharing Capability (DESC) to cut delays in the justice system, as well as investing in its Policing in a Digital World programme, launched to help the force respond to cyber-crime including online child sexual abuse, exploitation and fraud.